Severe Weather

Naughty weather on its way for Christmas Day

Meteorologist Jay Galle warns the Northshore is most likely to see strong storms as residents wake up on Christmas morning.

NEW ORLEANS -

If you had thoughts of spending your Christmas Day outdoors, nature is putting a lump of coal in your stocking.

A near certainty of rain exists across the Gulf Coast – the result of a one-two punch from a front passing through the region.

“A cold front is going to stall across the area, then turn to a warm front, and then spread back across us, and that’s when things are going to get stormy,” WDSU Meteorologist Jay Galle explained. “Some of these are going to be strong and severe.”

Northshore residents, in particular, should be prepared for powerful storms on Christmas morning, Galle said. By mid or late afternoon, most of the WDSU viewing area will be affected.

"It's right over the central portion of Louisiana and southwest Mississippi," WDSU Chief Metrologist Margaret Orr said of the area at greatest risk.

The storms will bring with them the possibility of strong winds, hail and tornadoes.

The National Weather Service says people should get their yards ready, securing lawn furniture or anything that high winds could turn into a projectile.

In St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes, about 200 log teepees top the levee from Lutcher, about 30 miles northwest of New Orleans, to Convent, another 40 miles upriver in St. James Parish. Most are 20 feet tall.

Officials have not yet decided whether it will be safe to light them at 7 p.m. Monday. An announcement on the bonfires was expected by late afternoon.

Mississippi leaders urged residents there to follow developments as the system approached.

“We understand that most people will be focusing on the holiday,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “Please plan now for how you will receive a severe weather warning, and know where you will go when it is issued. It only takes a few minutes, and it will help everyone have a safe Christmas.”

Cooler temperatres are forecast for Wednesday, when the chances of severe weather will diminish. Seasonable conditions are forecast through Saturday, when a chance or rain returns.

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